Lesson 3: Length Measurement - 1 - Let's find out how long things are!

For Grade 4 Students (Ages 9-10) - Let's learn to measure length and convert units!

What we will learn today:

We use different units to measure the length of things. In this lesson, you will learn to:

  • Identify what **centimeters (cm)** and **meters (m)** are.
  • **Convert** meters to centimeters and centimeters to meters.
  • **Add** and **subtract** lengths.
  • **Solve problems** related to length measurement.

Measuring in Centimeters (cm):

We use centimeters to measure the length of small things. For example, the length of a pencil, the width of a book. We measure centimeters using a ruler or a measuring tape.

Example:

The length of a pencil can be 15 cm.

The width of an exercise book can be 20 cm.

Measuring in Meters (m):

We use meters to measure the length of large things. For example, the length of a room, the height of a tree. The relationship between meters and centimeters is:

1 m = 100 cm

Example:

The length of a classroom can be 8 m.

The length of a playground can be 50 m.

Converting Meters to Centimeters:

To convert meters to centimeters, multiply the number of meters by 100.

Example: Convert 3 m to centimeters

  • We know 1 m = 100 cm.
  • So, 3 m = $3 \times 100$ cm = 300 cm.

Converting Centimeters to Meters and Centimeters:

To convert centimeters to meters and centimeters, divide the number of centimeters by 100. The whole number obtained will be meters, and the remainder will be centimeters.

Example: Convert 370 cm to meters and centimeters

  • 370 cm รท 100 = 3 remainder 70.
  • So, 370 cm = 3 m 70 cm.

Adding Lengths:

When adding lengths, add centimeters with centimeters and meters with meters. If the sum of centimeters is 100 or more, carry over 1 m for every 100 cm to the meters place.

Example: 5 m 25 cm + 3 m 70 cm

m            cm 5 25 + 3 70
8 95

Example 2: 4 m 80 cm + 2 m 50 cm

m            cm 4 80 + 2 50
7 30

($80 + 50 = 130$ cm. $130$ cm is $1$ m $30$ cm. Carry over $1$ m to the meters place.)

Subtracting Lengths:

When subtracting lengths, subtract centimeters from centimeters and meters from meters. If there are not enough centimeters to subtract from, borrow 1 m (which is 100 cm) from the meters place.

Example: 8 m 50 cm - 3 m 30 cm

m            cm 8 50 - 3 30
5 20

Example 2: 10 m 27 cm - 4 m 56 cm

m            cm 9 127 10 27 - 4 56
5 71

(Since 56 cm cannot be subtracted from 27 cm, borrow 1 m (i.e., 100 cm) from 10 m. $27 + 100 = 127$ cm.)

Activity 1: Convert Meters to Centimeters!

Convert the following meters to centimeters and enter the answer.

m = cm

Activity 2: Convert Centimeters to Meters and Centimeters!

Convert the following centimeters to meters and centimeters and enter the answer.

cm = m cm

Activity 3: Add Lengths!

Add the following lengths and enter the answer.

m            cm +
m cm

Activity 4: Subtract Lengths!

Subtract the following lengths and enter the answer.

m            cm -
m cm

You're doing great!

Ready to learn more math lessons or play fun games?

Next Lesson